CHEMICALS AND ALLIED

APPLICATION NOTE 4.03.03

STYRENE PRODUCTION PROCESS

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STYRENE C8H8
Typical end products
Polystyrene, ABS plastics, styrene butadiene, rubber Application
Chemical curve: Ethylbenzende in Styrene R.I. per Conc% b.w.
at Ref. Temp. of 20˚C Dehydrogenation of Ethylbenzene

In the dehydrogenation process, fresh and recycled

ethylbenzene is mixed with steam. This vapour-
mixture of ethylbenzene and steam is heated to the
required reaction temperature through heat-
exchangers by the reactor effluent, and is then fed
into the reactors. The reactor effluent passes through
heat exchangers to preheat the ethylbenzene-steam
mixture. It is also utilized to generate steam for the
distillation train. Then, the condensed reactor effluent
is separated into vent gas, condensate and crude
styrene, in a settling drum.
Purification of Styrene

Typically, a distillation train is used for styrene

purification. Crude styrene is brought to a benzene-
Introduction toluene column, where benzene and toluene by-
products are recovered. The rest is distilled in the
Styrene is a colorless, aromatic liquid. Nearly all of ethylbenzene recycle column, where ethylbenzene
the commercial styrene is consumed in and styrene are separated. Following this, the
polymerization and copolymerization. ethylbenzene is recycled to the dehydrogenation
section and the residue is then pumped into the
The two process routes that are used for styrene
styrene finishing column, where the final styrene
manufacturing are dehydrogenation and
purification is achieved.
coproduction with propylene oxide. Nearly 90% of
styrene production utilises dehydrogenation, mainly
because of its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
 CHEMICALS AND ALLIED
APPLICATION NOTE 4.03.03
STYRENE PRODUCTION PROCESS

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Installation column is about 80-90°C (176-194°F). It decreases

The K-Patents Process Refractometer PR-23-GP is
used to measure the final product concentrations. It
is installed in the long pipe, after the styrene finishing
column. The process temperature directly after the
at ambient temperatures of 5-35°C (41-95°F),
according to seasonal fluctuations, when it is ready
for storage. The measured concentration range is
95-96%. Appropriate equipment hazardous and
intrinsic safety approvals are available for hazardous
area installations.

Instrumentation Description
K-Patents Process Refractometer PR-23-GP is an industrial refractometer for
large pipe sizes and tanks, cookers, crystallizers and kettles. Installation through
a flange or clamp connection.

Area classification: Intrinsic safety and hazardous area approvals available.

Measurement range: Refractive Index (nD) 1.3200 – 1.5300, corresponding to 0-100 % by weight.